I was pleasantly surprised by this book after seeing some mixed reviews. Think locked room mystery meets survival story as it follows a group of saturation divers who are locked inside a hyperbaric chamber and they are ending up dead one by one. The atmospheric tension was crazy it felt extremely claustrophobic and definitely stress inducing. I was a bit turned off in the beginning as there is a full on glossary of terms used in the book and I was worried it was going to be too technical but luckily I was able to follow. In someways this reminded me of Drowning by TJ Newman due to the constant high stakes action that occurred the whole book. The ending was a bit of a letdown but otherwise a fun read! Thanks to NetGalley, Will Dean, and Atria for early access in exchange for an honest review.

3.75/5 stars

This book was super info dumping heavy and I didn’t feel invested in the story, characters or plot. Disappointing

Wow, I hardly know where to begin! This is a book about saturation divers, a subject about which I really knew nothing. They work on the seabed—-there’s a whole world of stuff down there that has to be built, tended, repaired, replaced, and so forth. All kinds of pipelines, tubes, equipment—-I had no idea.

So the diving vessel is the larger stage for the book, but the action really takes place in the Chamber, the inner area which is pressurized where the divers stay, eat, sleep, and live while they’re working on a job. I really wish I could see one, and honestly, I think this book would make a good movie.

All starts out okay on this job, and there are six divers on this particular job. Brooke, our narrator and the only female of the bunch, takes the first plunge while her partner keeps watch; they always dive in pairs, one at a time. After her successful six hours, the action starts—-the youngest diver is dead in the Chamber. I can’t imagine what it must be like inside this small area which really has only six bunks. All meals are delivered via tube from outside the pressurized area, and toilet and shower are below in a wet area. Anyway, the divers attempt CPR on their crew member and they are supported by a nurse supervisor who sends in drugs, IV, and other supplies. Why would a young, healthy man have suddenly died with no indication of illness?

But it’s what occurs after that that starts all the tension, and the author does a superb job of creating hold-on-to-your-hat-and-don’t-breathe atmosphere from there to the end of the book.

This one is a don’t miss. I highly recommend it! Five sparkly stars!

Well just holy cow!! This is my favorite Will Dean book to date. Went in blind and that made it even more intense and surprising. I read this in one day and could not put it down. The characters were fantastic and made me feel like I was right there submerged with them. Super tense and totally unnerving. Superb storytelling. Highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley, Will Dean and Atria Books for the opportunity to read and review this cracker of a book.

Six experienced divers are just starting their mission, locked in a hyperbaric chamber, when one of them dies. While awaiting several days of decompression, they continue to die one by one.

This book was super tense. I was very intrigued by the plot from the start, as I find the ocean and the science behind the diving fascinating enough; add to that a locked room mystery and I was all in. The action starts pretty quickly and the tension builds, particularly during the last few scenes. We hear the past experiences of the divers as they try to not go mad as they wait to be safely let out of the chamber, all wondering if they will even make it out alive, no longer trusting anyone, including each other. While I was pretty certain of the 'who/what' early on, I didn't know the 'why', and to be quite honest, I still don't know if I fully understand it, but I was caught off guard once or twice and definitely still enjoyed the story as a whole.

I was looking forward to this book so much after the last twisty read by Will Dean. I was pretty disappointed by it. It was SUPER quick and I flew through it to see what was going to happen. However, I didn't think the ending was truly possible. I also struggled with all the redundancy and "world building". Overall, I did not love this one as I had hoped.

DNF @ 10% - this did not finish is on me… after absolutely devouring will dean’s previous books, I immediately requested this one without actually reading the synopsis or brief blurb, which I definitely should have. as someone who is very claustrophobic, I could not get through a few chapters without feeling triggered myself, so y’all take care of yourself and actually check for triggers please!!! will dean’s writing is so addictive though that I have no doubt that he produced yet another fast paced heart pounding adventure!!! many thanks to netgalley and the publisher for dealing with lil ol me :’)

It could've been absolutely spectacular, I just don't seem to get along with the author's writing style. There's a lot of sentences along the line of. "The water isn't stormy, but it isn't calm either." Something about it just continuously takes me out of the story and it happens so much. Also, I just wasn't having a great time. It felt so slow and I was just waiting for more.

Thank you to Atria, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for the free E-copy for review.

The claustrophobic intensity of this story immediately gripped me. As we delve into the high-pressure world of saturation diving, the reader is immersed in the cramped, confined quarters where the characters must survive. Dean masterfully explores the multifaceted challenges they face - from the vital need for meticulous hygiene and cleanliness to ward off deadly germs to the psychological strain of being trapped together in such close quarters.

The narrative is told through the eyes of Brookes, the lone female diver in a crew of six. Her character is a mystery, and the glimpses we get into her past come as a genuine surprise. When one of the divers is found dead, the story takes a gripping turn as the remaining crew must grapple with the question of what - or who - is responsible.

As the stakes escalate and another diver perishes, the palpable sense of dread and desperation heightens. Trapped in the hyperbaric chamber during their decompression, the characters are utterly isolated, with limited options for help or escape. The claustrophobic atmosphere becomes almost suffocating, mirroring the growing paranoia and suspicion amongst the crew.

Having previously been blown away by Dean's work in "The Last One Left," I had high expectations for this novel. I'm pleased to say that "The Chamber" more than delivers. The visceral, tense atmosphere and the shocking finale had me reeling long after the last page. This is a wild, white-knuckle ride that will linger in the reader's mind.

Overall, "The Chamber" is a masterclass in crafting a claustrophobic, high-stakes thriller that delves into the fragility of the human psyche under extreme duress. Dean's skilled storytelling and compelling characters make this an absolute must-read.

Out On: August 6, 2024

This book was incredible. I have never read a book based on the topic of saturation divers, nor have I ever read a book that hooked me in so quickly. I thought the premise of this book was absolutely terrifying. Being in a tiny chamber with five other people, where you have to aggressively lean on one another in order to survive in a workplace. Absolutely wild.

As the story progresses, I did have a bit of a hard time with the pacing, as there were some sections that really didn't seem relevant to the storyline. However, there were some moments that were so drawn out and tense that I genuinely felt my heart rate increase while I was reading through them. Another thing that did make it a little difficult to follow was all of the diving jargon that was throughout the book, which makes sense for the book but not for my brain haha! The glossary at the beginning of the book was helpful, but overwhelming.

The ending...holy moly the ending of all endings. To say I was shell shocked and confused at the same time is a bit of an understatement. I am so glad I got to read this early because I am going to be telling all of my friends who love thrillers about this one!

Thank you so much to Atria Books for this advanced copy on NetGalley! 🤍

✨ARC REVIEW✨

The Chamber
By Will Dean
Publishes: 8/6/24
Genre: thriller/suspense

Thanks to @netgalley and @atriabooks for the opportunity to read this arc. This was a unique, high-tension, locked-room thriller. I generally really enjoy a locked-room/isolation trope. The deep ocean is terrifying, so being in a no-escape, high-stakes situation in the ocean is even more terrifying. The setting and premise were quite interesting, but overall this novel was just okay for me. The Chamber started off with a diagram depicting the specialized ship/chamber and included a glossary of technical terminology. This was appreciated, however, the story was sometimes still a little difficult for me to picture. There were quite a few characters on this dicey diving mission, but none of them were particularly likable or relatable. I felt the ending was a bit unsatisfying. I enjoyed the suspense and the scenario a lot. Even though I didn’t love this one, you might. I think Will Dean is a talented author. I really liked and would recommend his novel The Last One. In my experience , he tends to have unique storylines, which keeps things exciting.
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫.

All this and more…
🗺️ diagram
📕 glossary of technical terms
🌊 ocean
🤿 high-risk diving work
🔒 locked room
☠️ murder
😬 suspense
👥 many characters
🧠 psychological
🤨 trust no one
✍️ Shakespeare references

#thechamber #arcreview #augustbookrelease #arcreading #netgalley #atriabooks #thrillerbooks #suspensebooks #bookreview #bookthoughts #bookstagram #uniquebook

I am utterly speechless! The Chamber by Will Dean is a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read that will leave you on the edge of your seat! After only a few pages in, I was invested to find out WHO DUN IT. The ending though, left me with more questions than answers. I need to know MORE. Had the ending been more..conclusive I would’ve enjoyed it more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an eARC copy of The Chamber by Will Dean.

I love that Will Dean goes into the world of saturation diving, it's a world I have never really known about and it is clear that he did a lot of research going into this novel. There was also a lot of mention of real life accidents and vessels, which was also nice little easter eggs (if you haven't heard of any of the vessels you can certainly look them up while reading). Because of this, Will Dean's locked room thriller feels all the more real and scary, the feeling of dread and confusion sinking in as you read. It leaves you spiraling alongside the characters are you slowly race to the end to find out what happens. It is certainly a fresh spin on the typical locked room mystery and The Chamber certainly left me thinking, even after the book was done.

If you need a book to keep you on the edge of your seat, this is one for you. The Chamber by Will Dean Is a suspenseful thriller about a group of deep-sea divers trapped in a diving chamber where one by one they all start to suspiciously die. The author does a great job of making you feel the emotions that all of the characters are Going through. You won’t know what is going on in the best possible way. But I tell you I was on the edge of my seat reading this book I mean it. I would say if your claustrophobic approach with caution.

I gave it four stars because I will honestly say it starts off very slowly and it starts off with a lot of technical jargon. You learn a lot about deep-sea divers and how they operate and what the environment they’re in looks like. Which is helpful to the story, I just found that hard to get into. I will say that if you read it in the physical book, he does have a glossary and a chart on the front to show you what the chamber looks like and give you the definition of the terms in the book. Reading on my Kindle made that a little bit harder but once you get more into the book you kind of pick up what these terms mean .

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book ahead of publication! The review will be live on my blog on 8/02/24. I will also feature the review on Instagram that same day and post my review to Goodreads, The Storygraph, Fable, and retail sites.

Review:

I was introduced to Will Dean's work last year when I read "The Last One" and immediately became a fan. That book was fast-paced - I seriously couldn't read it fast enough. Was it implausible? Absolutely, but it was still a lot of fun. As soon as I read the synopsis of this one, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy, and while I didn't find it as fast-paced as "The Last One," I still enjoyed it.

This time around, Dean takes readers on a suspenseful journey into the depths of the ocean, where six experienced saturation divers find themselves trapped in a hyperbaric chamber while, one by one, they begin to drop like flies.

This book combines two of my biggest fears: Being out in the middle of the ocean and being trapped in a super-tight space. Not only are the divers locked in this chamber, but they're dangling beneath a boat. When the first person mysteriously dies, it's shocking, but there are protocols in place, and the five remaining members work to get the body up to a specific area in the chamber so it can be away from them and returned to the main ship. The problem is that they have to wait for their tiny coffin-like area to decompress before they can leave, and that takes several days to happen. And then the next crew member drops dead, and now everyone is wondering if someone amongst them is killing them, or if one of the crew who delivers their food and drink is poisoning them, or if it's something else entirely. Whatever the case, they're trapped until the chamber has fully decompressed, and this is when the mental games begin.

From the very first page, Dean grabs readers' attention and doesn't let go. The tension and suspense are palpable as the divers must navigate the treacherous waters of paranoia, exhaustion, and suspicion while trying to uncover the truth behind the mysterious deaths occurring in the chamber. Each character is expertly developed, with their own secrets, fears, and motivations. As the group mentally unravels under the stress of their situation, suspicions run high. Readers will find themselves questioning every character's actions and motives, wondering who can be trusted and who is hiding a deadly secret.

Dean expertly conveys a sense of claustrophobia and dread as the divers struggle to survive and outwit their unknown assailant. The setting of the hyperbaric chamber adds an extra layer of intensity to the story. Dean's vivid descriptions bring the chamber to life, making readers feel as though they are trapped inside with the divers, feeling the oppressive heat and claustrophobia that surrounds them. The sense of isolation and impending danger adds to the overall sense of unease, keeping readers on edge as they race to uncover the killer's identity before it's too late.

In addition to the thrilling suspense, Dean delves into the darker aspects of human nature, showing how fear and desperation can drive people to do unthinkable things. This book is definitely more psychological than action-packed, and while it had me feeling all kinds of claustrophobic, I also found that the book dragged a bit in places. We get some great backstories on the characters as they sit and chat about past dangers they've faced while being on other missions, and while this helped to flesh out the characters, I felt it slowed the novel's pace a bit. It wasn't enough to completely ruin it for me, but it made the pace feel choppy.

If you are a fan of gripping, heart-pounding, locked-room thrillers, you'll definitely want to check this one out. If you are claustrophobic, allow yourself plenty of time to set this one aside and breathe (I know I had to several times). While I felt the pace was a bit off, I still enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a breathtaking psychological read this summer.

Deep Dive into Murder

Call me Ellen Brooke.

Paraphrasing Herman Melville’s memorable opening introducing Ismael in a different nautical tale seems appropriate for Will Dean’s 2024 intriguing locked room mystery, “The Chamber”, about the tangled lives of deep-sea divers.

IIn this tense engrossing story the six experienced saturation divers, or sat rats aka “aquanauts”, are: Tea Bag, Spock, Jumbo, Mike, Andre and Ellen Brooke, the narrator throughout. They are operating from the ship, Deep Topaz, repairing pipelines at the bottom of the North Sea. They are part of a small community plying their trade around the world in hazardous conditions

Essential to their survival is first changing the element mix of their breathing air to adjust for increased pressure to survive working at extreme depths. And surviving the slow return to surface air quality to avoid the fatal “benz” from too rapid transition to surface conditions (take a gander at Nicholas Monsarrat’s 1951 classic novel, “The Cruel Sea”, for related experience).

This entire month-long conditioning process takes place on board the ship with periodic dives in a diving bell by teams of two to the ocean bottom– except when something goes wrong.

In this case, very wrong with what at first appears to be an accidental death but shifts to suspicions of murder. And in already tense time-constrained conditions turns toward a unique locked-room mystery with the threat of “chamber fever” and madness rising at every turn.

Dean does a great job of mixing authentic events such as the 1988 Piper Alpha oil rig fire with the fictional characters and drama to bring an added dimension of Hitchcockian peril as well as sea-faring yarns reminiscent of Melville.

Not for the claustrophobic but suspenseful up to and past the ending.

Oh man...I could not read this! I was so freaking tense when I was only 25 % done. This would keep me up for a million nights if I continued.. obviously that is what the author is going for, so we'll done...but I won't be finishing!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Well that was terrifying! Ellen Brooke is a saturation diver, one of the rare women in the field, working alongside five other male divers on a project in the North Sea. But when the divers start to die, one by one, the work is halted and decompression is begun immediately. But who will survive the final 4 days?

I learned a lot about saturation diving while reading this: all the protocols they have to follow, the brotherhood they need with each other in order to survive mentally and physically, the excruciating timelines that have to be followed to avoid injury, the gasses they have to breathe, etc. I don’t even like to put my face in the water when swimming, I would NEVER attempt scuba diving so this was all very fascinating and horrifying at the same time! I did not really begin to stress out until about the 60% point when a few divers have mysteriously died and the remaining have to stay in the chamber until decompression has been properly completed. The small space, the paranoia, and the need to breathe fresh air all overcame me.

This is a fast paced read and I loved every minute of it but there were a few confusing issues that caused me to knock off a star. For one, most of the divers have a name and a nickname and they are used kind of randomly. They are listed out in one of the early chapters but I didn’t write them down because this is NOT a textbook! And the ending was a little convoluted. The answers, when they come, are fast and a little unclear. But all in all, this is a great book. If you love Will Dean’s work, you will love this one!

Thank you Netgalley, Atria Books and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on August 6, 2024

The concept of this book was very intriguing. I loved the “locked room” setting, but felt the story fell a little flat. The characters were a little difficult to keep up with (each had names and nicknames used interchangeably). There was a lot of “wiping down” and a lot of story telling that didn’t contribute to the book. I think the concept was great, but execution could have been better. Also, I hated the ending…

Six saturation divers are working in a hyperbaric chamber when one is found dead. They require four days of decompression before opening the chamber, even when another is found unconscious.

I found myself absolutely fascinated by saturation diving and went into a total rabbit hole online. While the science behind it was too sciency for me, I much appreciated the image and glossary in the beginning. It was easy to understand and I went back to it many times. I loved the claustrophobic feel of the story. It was a very unique locked room thriller. However, the conclusion and ending didn’t do it for me. Quite honestly I’m not sure 100% what happened and feel like I missed something.

“You panic - you die. There is no surface.”

“We can be as futuristic as we like; salt water will always win in the end.”

The Chamber comes out 8/6.